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Expanding your house adds great value to your property and also helps transform the home’s overall shape and function. Whether it’s in the form of a verandah,
patio, pergola, or even a simple carport, there’s so much that you can do with the extra space on your property.

While each homeowner is different, a lot of them sure have one thing in common: a need to extend their living or entertainment area. And since every property
is different, it’s difficult to know where to start and which space to use as an extension. Let Melbourne’s outdoor experts, Totally Outdoors, provide
you with inspiration to and some great ideas. Our expertise in building outdoor spaces for clients all over Melbourne have cemented our reputation
as the leaders in our space.

Examples Of Totally Outdoor’s House Extension Designs

Below are a small selection of designs we’ve built for our customers. We take great care to understand our customers’ needs and are able to construct a
beautiful design you’ll be proud of.

A family business with over 40 years of experience, we provide outstanding workmanship, quality and customer satisfaction. All our materials are Australian-made
and owned, and we have previously won awards from the Australian Institute of Architects. Call us now at (03) 9704 4900 and talk to one of our experts
about building an outdoor space using our experience and workmanship!

Enlivening your outdoor space with a classy Verandah is the perfect way to boost your home’s value and aesthetical appeal. While it’s something to have
for sure, it also be a challenge if certain factors are ignored. It is key to invest time in designing something that fits all your entertainment or
relaxation needs. Narrowing in on the exact shape, size, and even style of your pergola involves smart planning. Consider the following factors to
ensure that you get to enjoy what you build!

Get a Strong Roof

A durable roof is important for a variety of reasons, including the weather. Our gable roof designs have become popular owing to stability and beauty.
Our trafficable insulated gable roofs can stand up to wind and other elements of the oft-changing Melbourne weather, without requiring extensive
maintenance.

Going with the Right Materials

As you begin to plan and then build your new outdoor space, you’ll soon be overwhelmed by the variety of materials that you can choose from. Essentially,
you should look for durability, longevity, warranty and how will they turn out in terms of appearance. Our experts can help you identify options
that resonate with the existing theme of your house.

What to Consider when Building

There are a few things to ensure before starting the actual process of building. Permits, building codes and designs are just some of the things you
need to tick off. Most structural building projects do require a Building Permit, and depending upon your local council, a further Planning Permit
and other approvals may also be required. At Totally Outdoors, our experience allows us to be by your side to make sure everything is set up for
a successful installation process.

The Importance Of Hiring Professionals

Some people mistakenly think that building an outdoor space can be somewhat of a DIY exercise. The reality is that it’s more than just a weekend project
and entails precise measurements and use of specialized and proper materials to get the best outcome. Not having your verandah permitted and professionally
installed could create untold amounts of expensive damage down the line.

Let’s Get Started!

If you're looking for a verandah builder in Melbourne, our experienced professionals at Totally Outdoors can help. We can design and build an attractive
outdoor space that is perfect for relaxation and enjoyment!

Hallam Display Centre:

We highly recommend that to make certain you make the right product and design decision visit our Hallam Display Centre to get the right advice and
view our sensational product solutions.

If you are looking to make alterations around your Melbourne home to maximize outdoor living, there are multiple ways to do so. Depending on the
available space and how you want to use it in terms of recreation or enjoyment, you can either opt for a verandah or a patio, or even both.
To see which one might be your best choice, it’s important to note the differences and make a more educated decision, as some of these include
making fairly permanent additions to the property.

A verandah is an attached outdoor structure with a roof that runs along one or more sides of the home. Conversely, the patio is a paved recreation
area that may be attached to the house or be freestanding on its own. It may or may not have a roof. These are typically popular for outdoor
entertaining or simply relaxation. For a patio, there are plenty of factors to consider, including size, choice of pavers, permanent roof covering
or retractable to suit the weather etc.

A third option is adding a pergola, which too is an outdoor structure either attached to the house or standing on its own. However, unlike the
patio, the pergola besides serving a purpose is often designed to enhance the aesthetics of a backyard or a garden. It could be large or small
but will not have a roof. Often rafters with slats, shade fabric or simply open.

While one or more of these features can be added to the house to optimally use open spaces, it may help to take professional help. This will ensure
that you end up with something that meets your needs. Before choosing between the two you really need to look at your budget and get a quote
for both. Sometimes space is an issue as well and a small, wooden patio might be more suitable for your home. You will also have to look at
what features you want with your outdoor area and if you are looking at adding a sunroof option you will have to go with a pergola.

If you have recently come back from a vacation in a tropical resort, then you’ve probably daydreamed of being back on holiday on a resort, surrounded by
tropical plants and the serene flow of water. What if we told you that you could perfectly recreate that feeling of a resort right in your backyard?
Life would be so much fun if stepping into your outdoor living area would feel like you were on holidays again.

Outdoor living, full of luxury

A stunning new patio can have an enhanced look with Totally Outdoors’ tips on how to create a tropical-style outdoor living resort:

Create a flow from the inside to the outside. It should align together in terms of the overall theme, colour, and styling.

Consider updating your furniture. Plastic and old-style furniture generally doesn’t invoke a tropical feel. Furniture that features materials such
as timber, wicker, canvas and waterproof fabrics is more apt to do the trick. A visit to your local hardware or outdoor living furniture store
will leave you full of ideas.

If space allows, have an outdoor living lounge suite or deck chairs to relax on, as well as a table and chairs for dining.

There are plenty of other products you can add that will help you recreate the resort feel. Here we are talking about products such as decorative
fence panels and privacy screens, and garden lighting.

A water feature of some kind is virtually a must. It doesn’t need to be large, although if you have the space and a few extra coins, a water wall
or similar feature will be a great investment.

The plants you choose in the garden area surrounding your outdoor living room are very important. Think tropical plants, such as palms, ferns and
bromeliads. There are always plenty of tropical-look plants that will be suitable for your environment and your local nursery will always be
able to help.

For the final touches, don’t forget to add some cushions and ornaments.

Of course, if you don’t have an outdoor structure or your existing structure is lacking, the best place to start when creating a resort-style outdoor
living area is by designing and building a new patio or pergola. Give Totally Outdoors a call on (03) 9704 4900 and we’ll organise a time to discuss
your project, and provide a free quote!.

Did you know that spending time outdoors can help with everything from mental health, to cognitive functioning, to even weight loss. The benefits of
being outdoors are just one reason to work on designing a beautiful outdoor living space. Furniture trends geared towards outdoor living are encouraging
more people to enjoy their whole property, not just the house built on it. For this reason, homeowners are spending more money on their outdoor
spaces.

Let's take a look at some popular outdoor furniture trends.

Let's Start with Furniture

If you want to spend time outside, it's important to have a comfortable place to sit and relax. Here are some of the popular options for outdoor furniture.

Furniture Qualities

Gone are the days of flimsy plastic chairs sufficing for outdoor furniture. Today's outdoor furniture options increasingly mimic indoor seating, with
plush cushions and comfortable ottomans. Likely, light colours like tan and beige accented with bright pillows have been popular choices.

Furniture Types

Wood and wicker furniture make great, durable options for outdoor seating. Also, many furniture sets come with modular, movable pieces. These can be
rearranged in different configurations based on your needs.

Fully-Equipped Outdoor Kitchens

Outdoor cooking has evolved far beyond the classic barbecue. Today, fully-equipped outdoor kitchens allow homeowners to have an entire cooking experience
outside. With elements like refrigerators, stoves, and ovens, you can cook an entire meal from start to finish outside. This way, you will never
have to traipse back inside the house to get food or drinks for guests at your cookout.

Blinds and Awnings

While being out in the sun can be great for your mental and physical health, it's important to have proper shielding from the sun's rays. That's where
blinds and awnings come in.

Retractable awnings can be a convenient option for outdoor spaces. With these automated awnings, you can easily extend the awning for sunny days, and
pull it back in for days when it's windy. With outdoor blinds, you can make your outdoor patio easy to convert into a screened-in porch. This is
a great way to keep mosquitos away from you on warm summer evenings.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency

Folks are trying to be more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient in all areas of their lives, and outdoor furnishing is no different. Pieces
made from reclaimed wood or other repurposed parts are especially popular as ways to limit waste.

Another way to be environmentally conscious is to choose energy efficient lighting for your outdoor spaces. Motion detecting lights are a good choice
for this, as they turn off automatically when no one is around. Incandescent light bulbs also use less energy than other lighting options.

Make Furniture Trends Work for You

Paying attention to these furniture trends will help you design an outdoor space that looks fresh and beautiful.

Have a project that you want to work on in your outdoor space? Contact us for a free quote to get started on the perfect design.

Summer is the perfect season to spend time outdoors entertaining family and friends, making unforgettable memories or just relaxing. In fact, getting some
fresh air isn’t just good for your social life; it also benefits your health by reducing stress.

To get the most out of your outdoor area, you’ll need to make sure it can be used for both relaxation and entertainment. Without a properly designed area,
you won’t be able to thoroughly enjoy being outside, especially during the day when the sun is shining.

Now, if your current living space isn’t up to par for summer, you can easily change this with a fixed single roof project design by one of our specialist
here at Totally Outdoors. Our fixed single roof will turn a plain patio into a space that was made for summer living!

How Our Fixed Roof Designs Can Help Your Outdoor Space

From design benefits to aesthetic appeal, today we’ll be sharing with you 4 ways our fixed roof designs can help your outdoor area.

1.Brighter Patio Space

Instantly brighten up a dark and dreary outdoor patio space with our fixed roofing that features “heat resistant” polycarbonate. You’ll be able to entertain
guests or relax during the day while enjoying some sun.

2.Colorbond

Thanks to Colorbond, you won’t have to settle for a colour that doesn’t compliment your home. Colorbond will ensure that your new fixed roof will seamlessly
match your home all while having a high-quality finish.

3.More Coverage

With a wide span up to 11 metres, you’ll finally get the coverage you want. Plus, you’ll be able to fill up the bigger outdoor area with more furniture
for entertaining.

4.Unique Designs

We offer several designs including;

Gable Verandah Design

The Gable Verandah is a spacious and airy design that is ideal for a large patio area that will be used for hosting outdoor parties or quaint dinners.
It also showcases double sided colour framework and roofing for a complete finish.

Freespan Gable and Flat Design -Featuring our modern “frame free” Hi tensile roofing, Freespan Gable and Flat fixed roofing design will beautifully
cover an outdoor patio. This particular design comes in a variety of profiles, but the outcome will always be spacious.

Fixed Freespan Roof Verandah - This design can make any slim long area into the perfect place to spend time with family or relaxing alone.

As you can see, with some help for our design specialists we can complete your space with a fixed roof and make it much easier for you to relax or entertain
this summer!

For more information about our exclusive fix roofing designs and how they can help your unique outdoor space, simply contact us at (03)9704 4900 or request
a free quote here. http://www.totallyoutdoors.com.au/contact

Summer is here, which means it’s the perfect time to match your décor with this bright and cheerful season. Besides filling your space with classic summer
themed items, you should also keep things up-to-date by following the latest décor trends. By doing so you’ll create an amazing, stylish space that’s perfect for entertaining family and friends this summer.

To help you get started, we’re listing off 7 of the biggest home décor trends for summer 2018 and how you can use them to liven up your living space!

Lavender

Say goodbye to millennial pink and hello to light lavender. Lavender is finally taking the place of the ever so popular shade of pink. This calming shade
is now being used to bring out the soft tones in deeply coloured furniture. Bring lilac and lavender into your home in the form of bedding, pillows
covers and small accent pieces.

Circle Patterns

Circles are the new triangles and they’re huge this year. You can add this large circular trend into your home by starting with accent pillows or by going
all in with graphic wallpaper.

Brass Accents

This summer we’re moving away from shining brushed silver and getting into more golden brass tones that offer more warmth. Add brass accents to your space
in the form of outdoor stools, end tables or a decorative lamp.

Olive Green

Good news! Green is back this year in shades of olive and chartreuse. Compared to classic green, these softer shades will add a cozy finish to your living
space. You can enjoy this trend by painting an accent wall, adding olive green cushions or with a dark, large plant.

Woven Textures

This year we’re bringing in more organic materials and traditional handcrafted pieces as a way to reconnect with nature. Update your space with natural
accessories like baskets, large bowls (great for holding summer fruits), vases or rugs.

Warm Eye-Catching Colours

It’s good to see that warm primary colours are back in style this year. So instead of playing it safe this summer, add a bold pop of colour to your space
with artwork, accent tables or pillows in red, orange or yellow.

Bold Patterns

Bold patterns are huge every summer, but this year they’re a lot more feminine and feature large beautiful florals prints. Bring this trend into your home
with accent furniture, small pillows, artwork or even wallpaper.

Now that you know some of the biggest décor trends, you’ll have no problem creating a trendy, yet personalized space.

But since your outdoor area is where you’ll likely spend most of your time this summer, why not make it unforgettable by updating it with a few on-trend
décor items and a new verandah, patio or outdoor room!

Our team of design specialist can help turn your current outdoor area into an inviting place where you can throw fun parties, hold intimate dinners or
simply relax in all summer long.

Life should be full of "and" not "or." You should be able to choose sun and shade. Not choose between sun or shade. That's why louvre roofs are changing the world of outdoor living.

They're changing the way we see our backyards and living space potential. They're also changing the way designers and architects are seeing these spaces
as well.

Is an adjustable louvre perfect for your backyard? Keep reading to find out.

Get More From Outdoor Living

The adjustable louvre is the best of both worlds, and the best of everything our world has to offer: Sun, breezes, nature sounds.

They are basically stylized adjustable panels that can be tweaked to be wide open, which lets the sunshine in. Or they can be closed to keep the rain
out or excessive sunlight out if things get too hot.

Amazingly enough, you can also add a ceiling fan to do an amazingly good job of keeping cool when you feel like it.

They really just give you extra living space for your home, which you can change how you see fit. You can open it in good weather or protect yourself
for not-so-good weather.

They're Easy and Affordable to Install

Despite their high-end look, they are remarkably easy to install, in terms of not requiring a huge material investment. But they still offer a sophisticated
design that looks like you spent a small fortune.

We also offer an amazing warranty on them. You get:

10 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty on Louvre Blades

7 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty on Motors and other electrical

Are They Right For My Yard?

They work in almost any backyard, that's the beauty of them. But they are particularly perfect for people who:

Are building/ renovating their home and want to add an extra living space

Are tired of their existing yard and want a drastic change at a reasonable price

Have an open space in their backyard that they're not sure what to do with

Want to get more out of the nice weather months in their backyard

Are trying to sell/ flip a home and want to add some "wow" to the backyard

Ready to Take Outdoor Living to the Next Level?

We are a family business with over 40 years of experience. During that time, we've built our reputation by providing outstanding workmanship, quality
and customer satisfaction.

Looking for a creative way to add value to your home? A patio is among the top features that buyers look for in a house. This worthwhile investment is
a great way to make your home more competitive when it comes time to sell. In the meantime, you'll also get to enjoy the benefits of a beautiful patio
for yourself.

The upfront investment in a patio is well worth it in the long run. Why should you add a patio to your house? Let's take a look at the many benefits
of adding this feature to your home.

1. Serves a Practical Need

Families want a home that provides them with everything they need. That includes having an outdoor space for parties, gatherings, and even ordinary
meals outside in the summer.

A patio adds practical value by turning a part of the home into a getaway. Families won't need to trek to the beach or the park for outdoor relaxation
when there is a patio right at home.

2. Homeowners Want Outdoor Spaces

It's easy to imagine why outdoor gatherings would be seen as desirable. However, this isn't just conjecture. The numbers actually show that people
really want patios and places for outdoor recreation at home.

Having outdoor space appeals to so many people because there are so many activities that become available when there's a patio at home. Whether it's
gardening, relaxation, or another outdoor activity, a patio offers something for everything.

3. Adds Visual Appeal

Having a patio adds versatility to the number of activities that can be done at home. It also comes with an added visual appeal that's sure to impress
buyers.

A great deal of sale value is based on visual appeal, and of course, size. A patio adds a versatile extra space to your home that also beautifies it
immediately.

The perfect patio is easily accessed, private from the eyes of neighbours,
and attractive to the eye. Some patio furniture and a bit of simple gardening will help potential buyers see themselves using the outdoor space
for themselves.

4. Saves Money on Utilities

Budget is always a consideration for homebuyers. A patio that will help reduce the cost of cooling the home in the summer is a sure selling point.

A patio installed in the right part of the home will help the house stay cooler all summer long. Use the positioning of the patio to block direct sunlight,
so less air conditioning will be needed throughout the season.

Install a Patio in Your Melbourne House Now

A patio is a small addition to your home that can have a huge payoff.

Whether you're hoping to sell as soon as possible or years down the line, you'll benefit from adding a patio to your Melbourne house.

Enjoy the benefits of recreational space and reduced air conditioning today. When the time comes to sell, your patio will more than pay for itself.

Have you been wondering how to add curb appeal and value to your home?

A verandah is an open space usually roofed and partly enclosed by a railing, often referred to as a porch. Commonly found at the front of a home, this
can be an excellent way to boost your home's appearance and increase its worth.

Adding a shade structure to the entryway not only gives guests a charming first impression, it also optimizes your property's extra space by extending
the area of your home to include a transition to the outdoors.

Many homeowners enjoy this addition as a gathering spot to greet visitors, a place to sit outdoors that's sheltered from the weather, or a relaxing
spot to watch while children play with neighbours.

What's more is that while practical and useful, it serves as an inviting upgrade to almost any residential property.

Read on to find out how to choose the right porch for your house!

Choosing the Perfect Verandah for Your Home

When deciding on the perfect pick for your home, there are several things that you should consider.

Here are some guidelines to help you make the best decision.

1. Size

Depending on the exterior dimensions of your home and the existing framework, the appropriate size of your shaded entryway can vary. Usually, the structure's
dimensions are customized according to the home.

2. Design

There are several designs to choose from. The best design for your house depends on its architecture and style, as well as your own preferences.

Common verandah designs include:

Gable

This design is distinguished by its pitched roof.

Flat

The flat design uses a concrete slab as a roof. It can be an effective option if water drainage is a concern.

Curved

If style is what you're after, then a design that follows the natural curve of the roof offers a unique element to your home's appearance.

Pergola

A pergola uses timber or steel members that run parallel to a wall of a house at a
given minimum spacing to give shade to the rooms of the house. It's lightweight, and usually one of the less expensive ways to add ambiance indoors
and out.

Transparent

This design uses glass or flexible transparent polycarbonate materials together with a steel frame to make a transparent type of shade. This is often
chosen for commercial dwellings.

3. Permit Requirements

Depending on the neighbourhood and city that you live in, it may be necessary to acquire a permit prior to construction. Check with your local authorities
and your neighbourhood board to determine if you will need to secure a permit.

4. Construction

To ensure that the construction process is as smooth as possible, it is recommended that you have a budget and building plan to outline your project
exactly.

Find Out More!

Do you want to add beauty and value to your home? Our outdoor design specialists can help you choose the perfect addition to your home.

Thank you for your interest in Totally Outdoors, specialist builders of outdoor living structures. Your enquiry is most welcome, so please provide your details below and one of our project specialists will be in touch shortly.

Thank you for your interest in Totally Outdoors, specialist builders of outdoor living structures. Your enquiry is most welcome, so please provide your details below and one of our project specialists will be in touch shortly.